Washington, DC, officially known as the District of Columbia, is the capital city of the United States of America. It was founded on July 16, 1790, and named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. It was meticulously planned and designed by French-born architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant as a national symbol, with broad streets and avenues in a grid layout interspersed with many public squares and parks.
Washington, DC, has been the epicenter of US history and politics, housing all three branches of the federal government: the President (Executive), Congress (Legislative), and the Supreme Court (Judicial). The city has iconic and exciting monuments, memorials, and public museums, contributing to its unique cultural landscape.
The National Mall
The National Mall, often dubbed “America’s front yard,” is a must-visit landmark in Washington DC. This leafy green, open-air expanse stretches over two miles, showcasing iconic monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The Mall also hosts renowned institutions like the Smithsonian Museums, offering a rich tapestry of American history and culture.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s most renowned natural history museums near the National Mall. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, specimens, and exhibits covering various scientific disciplines, including anthropology, paleontology, geology, zoology, and more.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 145 million specimens and artifacts, ranging from dinosaur fossils and ancient human artifacts to gemstones and taxidermy displays. You can explore and learn about the natural world in great detail.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a magnificent structure with historical significance. As you approach the memorial, you’ll first notice the large statue of Abraham Lincoln seated in a contemplative pose. The statue is 19 feet tall and is carved out of white Georgia marble.
Lincoln Memorial’s design is based on classical Greek architecture, featuring 36 Doric columns surrounding the memorial chamber. These columns symbolize the states that existed during Lincoln’s presidency.
Inside, the chamber walls display inscriptions of Lincoln’s most famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address, reminding visitors of his enduring words and the impact of his leadership.
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is one of the most renowned art museums in the United States that houses an extensive collection of artworks spanning various periods and styles. It’s known for its exceptional collection of European and American paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, prints, and photographs.
Some of the most famous masterpieces in the gallery include Leonardo da Vinci’s “Ginevra de’ Benci,” Johannes Vermeer’s “A Lady Writing,” and Vincent van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait.”
It has two separate buildings—the West and the East—connected by an underground concourse. The West Building primarily showcases the gallery’s permanent collection, while the East Building features contemporary and modern art and special exhibitions.
United States Capitol
The United States Capitol is an important historical and political landmark symbolizing American democracy. It has undergone several expansions and renovations since its initial construction in 1800. The original design was created by William Thornton, and subsequent architects, such as Benjamin Henry Latrobe and Thomas U. Walter, contributed to its development. The iconic dome of the Capitol was completed in 1863 and is made of cast iron.
The Capitol is divided into three main parts: the Rotunda, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. You can take guided tours to explore the building’s history, architecture, and important artworks when you visit.
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When you tour Washington DC, you cannot help but marvel at its rich history and vibrant present. With so many things to see, experience, and learn, it’ll take you a couple of days to properly tour Washington, DC.
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